Podolski happy with Arsenal life

Lukas Podolski is pleased with how he has settled at Arsenal and is eagerly anticipating their Champions League tie against his former club Bayern Munich.

Podolski, 27, has scored eight goals in all competitions for Arsenal since joining the club for around £11 million from Cologne in the summer.

Reflecting on his time at Emirates Stadium to date, he told Kicker: "I am in a new country, I am learning a new mentality. I am with a top club and pleased with how professional this club is run. Everything has changed for the better.

"I have only been here for half a year, so it might be too early to take stock. I did understand people questioning that I never made it at Bayern and got relegated with Cologne. But I proved my qualities before the transfer. I was, and I am, convinced I will come out on top here."

Looking ahead to their Champions League last 16 tie with Bayern, who Podolski was contracted to for three years, the striker said: "That's a dream draw.

"You have to take on every opponent if you want to lift the trophy. Of course, it is a disadvantage we are at home first.

"I am looking forward to seeing Uli Hoeness, Jupp Heynckes, Franck Ribery, the colleagues from the national team and the many others who have been there during my time at Bayern."